Online Safety Policy and Practice—Exploring the Microsystems
摘要
This chapter examines the translation of national online safety policies into practical implementation within English schools, using the 360 Degree Safe and ProjectEVOLVE platforms as key datasets. Focusing on statutory responsibilities, it reveals a divide between the clear guidance issued by the Department for Education and actual practices, particularly in staff training and community engagement. The analysis shows a primary focus on simple topics like online relationships and self-image within primary schools, with a notable lack of attention to complex areas such as privacy and security, especially in secondary settings. This discrepancy highlights the inconsistency in online safety education across school stages and raises concerns about the robustness of current practices. The chapter argues that without comprehensive digital literacy education, the goals of national policies remain unmet, underscoring the need for balanced, evidence-based online safety initiatives that actively involve all stakeholders and address students’ evolving needs.